September 7, UPDATE! “Eleven out Ten LJC readers who expressed a preference asked for more comparative rips, to hear for themselves what alternative editions sound like”. Actually, I just made that up, but seeing as how a lot of what … Continue reading →

Leader of the pack of United Artists’ Blue Note “twofer” Reissue series. I started writing this a while back, then it slipped my attention as I went chasing Prestige. In the midst of the holiday season, I thought I might … Continue reading →

Selection 1: It’s Time! Selection 2: Revillot It was a very ’60s thing, titles made up of words spelled backwards. This track is quite obvious, Revillot, Tolliver, With others its more subtle, like Llareggub, from Stan Tracey’s Under Milk … Continue reading →

Liberty Stereo Cover, but wait – Always Read The Label! Selection: Let’s Face the Music and Dance (Irving Berlin) . “There may be trouble ahead But while there’s moonlight and music And love and romance Let’s face the music and dance” … Continue reading →

Selection: Smile Artists Jackie McLean (as) Kenny Drew (p) Bo Stief (b) Alex Riel (d) recorded at “Jazzhus Montmartre”, Copenhagen, Denmark, August 5, 1972 Music Jackie’s discography skips a full four years from 1968 to this recording at the age of 40, … Continue reading →

Record pictures updated June 8, 2017, updated June 10, 2017. This record deserves better than what I was able to do five years ago. LJC Track Selection 1: Kahlil the Prophet (Mclean) correct track … …” Using a hard bop lyric … Continue reading →

Rules are made for breaking, sometimes. For a change I thought I would open up a post dedicated to the evil silver disk, the only way to enjoy some of the greatest jazz ever recorded, that would otherwise fall between the … Continue reading →

Next up we have the official understudy to Jackie in “The Connection” stage play, Tina Brooks, in the alternative recording on Felsted Records (Close the flash audio player above by clicking the double-bar on its right, or it will play on top of the next audio sample)

Due to contractual problems Freddie Redd – the composer – performs under the pseudonym “I Ching”, Howard McGhee lead on trumpet, and Tina Brooks takes the honours on saxophone in place of Jackie McClean. Everyone knows the Blue Note 4027 from 1960. very few know the ultra rare Felsted alternative. Despite its poorer audio quality, the Felsted version showcases the extraordinary emotional drive of Tina Brooks, and Freddie’s triumphant piano solo, which clutches at the heartstrings as it strains at holding the key

Collectors Corner You probably have a list of records which you would most dearly like to own an original of, the best possible copy. Mine is a half dozen titles long, and whenever I see one come up on eBay, it … Continue reading →